TIVVY ARCHIVE

The unofficial archives of Tiverton Town Football Club


Gloucester City 4 - 1 Tiverton Town

Tuesday 04/03/2008   Southern League Premier Division
Tivvy Archive

Adam Faux started at left back instead of Chris Vinnicombe and found himself up against Tivvy’s nemesis Lee Smith and it was down this channel that the Tigers launched a series of early attacks. Gloucester goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer also used his considerable presence and a strong wind to launch a number of long-range kicks into the Tivvy area, but it was the Tigers pace and quick passing game that posed the greatest threat. From their first corner debutant Martin Horsell failed to get near the ball, but his performance settled as the game progressed.



The feeling that it was when rather than if Gloucester’s attacking play would produce a goal was confirmed in the fifteenth minute when a free kick was poorly cleared to the unmarked Jack Pitcher on the edge of the area. Pitcher, having flicked on the initial ball into the area turned to find the ball back at his feet, and took one touch to bring the ball under control and a second to send sweet half volley inside the far post with Horsell a spectator. Within five minutes Hereford United loanee Marcus Palmer showed his professional credentials with a stunning goal. Receiving a long diagonal pass on the edge of the area facing away from goal he turned Villis and struck a fierce shot into the top corner. The Tigers were rampant at this stage and a rout was in prospect.



However, their defence had yet to be tested and when Tivvy finally organised an attacking sequence they proved less durable. First Phil Walsh burst through two defenders to crash a shot against the post with Sawyer beaten. Gloucester failed to clear and the ball was eventually played to an unmarked Simon Bochenski in the area who fired home. Any thoughts of a Tivvy revival were soon dashed when they lost possession from their own throw in on the half way line. Another long, accurate, diagonal pass to Pitcher put him free and he lashed another unstoppable shot into the top corner.



The second half started less eventfully with James Fraser as ever striving to get the Tivvy midfield going but with partner Radley Veale having a quiet game he was unable to create much. A good pass with the outside of his boot did set Bochenski free but he totally miscued. Any thoughts Tivvy had of snatching an undeserved point disappeared with twenty minutes to go when Nathan Rudge was sent off. It was difficult to see from the stand but as he walked past Matt Rose the player fell to the ground holding his face and was soon substituted with an injured nose. The referee was close by and immediately produced the card indicating an elbow had been used.



As often happens the extra man made little difference and the game drifted to a conclusion with Gloucester resting key players ahead of an important date with Bashley on Saturday. Matt Villis was fouled clearing the ball but no kick was given and Gloucester broke clear but dragged the shot wide. Then in time added Tivvy went to sleep and allowed Alex Sykes to receive a throw in without a defender in shouting distance. He ran on and thrashed yet another spectacular goal past Horsell who must be wondering if he will have to face this quality of finishing every game.



Gloucester thoroughly deserved their win controlling the midfield and displaying one of the more deadly finishing displays likely to be seen any season.



PS. The Tigers fans were some of the most helpful and friendly I’ve met at a football match and they deserve to get their own ground sooner rather than later.



Match report courtesy of ‘CJ’ and originally posted on the Tivvy dot net message board.



Gloucester City: Kevin Sawyer; Jamie Reid, Alex Sykes, Neil Mustoe, Ashley Thomas, Marc Richards, Matt Rose (Alex Allard 74), Tom Webb, Jack Pitcher (Jody Bevan), Marcus Palmer (Will Morford), Lee Smith

Goals: Pitcher 15, 42, Palmer 20, Sykes 89

Booked: None

Sent Off: None



Tiverton Town: Martin Horsell; Danny O‘Brien (Paul Wyatt 47), Adam Faux, Matt Villis, Nathan Rudge, Will Gardner, Glenn Gould, Phil Walsh, Simon Bochenski (Tom Knighton 74), James Fraser, Radley Veale

Goals: Bochenski 39

Booked: Walsh

Sent Off: Rudge 70



Attendance: 247

This report ©2008 Tivvy Archive